St Scholastica, Virgin

Let all the multitude * of the faithful exult in the glory of the gracious virgin Scholastica: and chiefly let the company of virgins be joyful, celebrating her Solemnity; for she besought the Lord, pouring forth her tears, and of him received greater power, because her love was greater.

℣.Who is this that flieth as a cloud?

℟.And as a dove to her windows?

O how illustrious * are the merits of blessed Scholastica! O how great the power of her tears! through which the renowned virgin, out of sunny clearness, drew down from the air a mighty flood of rain.

℣.Behold, thou art fair, my love.

℟.Behold, thou art fair; thou hast dove’s eyes.

To-day * the holy virgin Scholastica, in the likeness of a dove, went forth with all gladness to the heavenly places: to-day she was found worthy to enjoy for ever the bliss of celestial life beside her brother.

O God, who didst reveal in a vision the soul of blessed Scholastica thy Virgin entering heaven in the likeness of a dove, that thou mightest shew the way of the undefiled: grant us by the aid of her merits and prayers so innocently to live, that we may worthily attain unto joys eternal. Through thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, liveth and reigneth God, world without end.

℟.Amen.